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The scam email includes an online link through which drivers are asked to ‘verify’ their bank details for a refund.

The DVLA has advised anyone who receives this type of email to ignore it and not to follow the instructions given.

It added that the DVLA has not sent out an email asking customers for this information and that it does not ask customers to provide bank details via an email.

Drivers should use the online driving licence and vehicle tax transactions on gov.uk to be sure that they are dealing with the DVLA.

Bank details in the hands of scammers can be used for identity theft or to gain access to a victim's bank account.

If you think you may have compromised the safety of your bank details and/or have lost money due to fraudulent misuse of your cards, you should immediately contact your bank, according to Action Fraud.

Meanwhile motoring groups warned today that the controversial driving licence shake-up could result in a nightmare for Britons heading to Europe on holiday and looking to hire a car.

As part of the changes, the paper counterpart that accompanies all UK plastic photocard licences will be scrapped from June.

Information about penalty points for traffic violations such as speeding will be held only on the DVLA’s database, and will have to be checked online, by phone or by post.

But motoring groups fear the switch to a fully online system will make it more difficult for car hire firms which want to check a motorist’s details.

They have warned that the ‘muddled’ introduction of the new rules will mean people could be turned away because many car hire firms abroad will still insist on examining the paper document to check for endorsements or bans.

Beware: Unsuspecting motorists are being sent emails from scammers claiming to be from the DVLA

Mark Bower, of the car hire insurance website MoneyMaxim, said holidaymakers could endure major problems at car hire desks across Europe. He added: ‘Most people are simply unaware that these changes are on the way – and it is not just renters.’

However most British drivers who hire a car outside the UK are not asked for the paper counterpart – car hire firms are often happy to accept the plastic card by itself.